The all-new Honda ZR-V mid-sized SUV could have solely simply began arriving in Australia, however the top-spec hybrid model is already bought out for 2023. 

The Japanese model has launched a variety of 4 variants for its new rival to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and the most costly one — the ZR-V e:HEV LX, at $54,900 drive-away — has been the standout alternative for purchasers. 

Talking on the launch of the brand new mannequin, Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon stated the model had a really robust order financial institution for the petrol variations, however the hybrid has been the spotlight for the books, to date. 

Ms McMahon stated the model is lastly beginning to see stronger car provide that ought to see the corporate push in the direction of its acknowledged goal of 20,000 gross sales in a calendar yr, and the ZR-V is anticipated to play a sizeable half in that.

“The order financial institution for the brand new Honda ZR-V for petrol variants is a few months out, and our hybrid is out to December. So, we’re seeing actually robust demand,” she stated.

“I simply acquired again from Bangkok earlier within the week, and we’re locking in some actually nice help, and our Honda Centres are preparing to have the ability to ship at that 20,000 mark in This autumn of this yr, Q1 subsequent yr. 

“So, I’m actually trying ahead to that as a result of demand is absolutely actually robust in the mean time for us. Regardless that you’re not seeing it within the retail numbers, definitely our order financial institution may be very, very robust,” she stated.

The ZR-V e:HEV hybrid makes use of a well-recognized powertrain – a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine teamed to a pair of electrical motors and an e-CVT computerized transmission with front-wheel drive. It has mixed outputs of 135kW and 315Nm. 

Honda Australia has expressed its need so as to add extra inexpensive petrol-electric ZR-V variants sooner or later, however the firm was unable to stipulate precise timings for any such additions. 

Honda presently has e:HEV LX top-spec variations of its Civic hatchback ($55,000 drive-away) and HR-V small SUV ($47,000 drive-away).

The brand new-generation CR-V SUV, which can be bigger than the present mannequin and is because of launch within the coming months, is about to additionally characteristic a range-topping e:HEV LX grade.

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